Iona

IONA's music is a unique, acoustic weave of the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany (France), the Isle of Man and Galicia (Spain). Blending songs, dance tunes, and aires into a rich and stunning tapestry, their style is outstanding in an arena where these traditions are seldom intertwined.

Conceived in 1986, IONA was the musical offspring of Barbara Ryan and Bernard Argent. With fiddler Andrew Dodds and bass guitar player Chuck Lawhorn, IONA has become the leading Celtic group in the Mid-Atlantic region. They are all seasoned performers: entertainers who involve their audiences with the history and cultural backgrounds of the music, with teaching words to the songs -- even those sung in a Celtic tongue, with leading simple Breton dances, with humor, and with every emotion in the spectrum.

An IONA show is known for:

1. Traditional Celtic Material The haunting songs, toe tapping dances and the humor of the Celtic peoples from Scotland to Brittany provide IONA with an incredibly varied repertoire

2. Original Acoustic Arrangements All the members of the band play several instruments, often switching within a piece to achieve their unique sound. They weave tunes from different countries around their songs, pursuing complex rhythms with deft professionalism.

3. Lively Entertaining Presentation Above all, IONA's performances are FUN! Barbara and Bernard teach audiences words to their songs (some in Celtic languages!), lead them in clapping and even encourage them to dance!

Comments: QUOTE (CelticRose @ 17-Sep-2004, 11:41 PM) Oh thank you, 3 Ravens! I actually heard Iona today and knew right away they were not the Christian Celtic praise group. But I absolutely loved their music! wow! I plan to get their CD as I loved what I heard so much. wonderful for you 3 Ravens! What a great experience and you get to be with the wonderful band. Let us know all about the evening, ok? when does this all occur? Have fun and keep us posted! Response: I've worked for them too. I helped volunteer at the Potomac Celtic Festival in June 1999. I will be going as a customer this June with my boyfriend. Aye!

Member Name: RivDanDate Posted: 08-Apr-2005

Comments: QUOTE (sir_tal @ 14-Sep-2004, 07:57 PM) I'll be darned. I didn't know there was another Iona. The problem is that while Iona (The Christian Praise Group) is definitely Christian, they are also of the Celtic persuasion. So while they may not be "trad", I would say that either could be discussed here. (I have seen the likes of Wolfstone and Seven Nations on here, which are definitely celtic rock.) Man, that's confusing. Thanx for letting us know, though!-Chris Response: Did you say, Seven Nations and Wolfstone? Three Ayes for Ye!

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